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Here’s where the new downtown Fort Worth library location could be

September 21,2023

See full Fort Worth Star-Telegram article by Harrison Mantas here.

After shuttering the old location in June and struggling to find a replacement, the Fort Worth public library’s downtown branch could have a new home.

The Fort Worth city council will vote Tuesday on whether to approve the lease of the ground floor of 100 Main St. right across from the Tarrant County Courthouse.

The lease will cost on average $214,823.20 per year, according to city documents.

The new location is 8,700 square feet, which is roughly 27 times smaller than the former downtown branch at 500 W. Third St. That building was sold to Dart Interests in December 2022 for $18 million.

Library officials said in a press release announcing the new location that the smaller space is the right size to provide what they called a, “neighborhood library experience,” for downtown residents.

“We know there is a keen interest in having a Fort Worth Public Library back in downtown and we are eager to move forward on this project,” said interim library director Marilyn Marvin.

District 9 council member Elizabeth Beck, who represents downtown, said in the press release she was happy to see a library branch reopen downtown.

“I look forward to working with residents and library staff on ways to enhance those services to meet the needs of the community this branch will service,” Beck said.